Uncle Alfred’s Legacy Program
Culturally responsive men’s behaviour change program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Males impacted by Domestic and Family Violence.
About This Program
Uncle Alfred’s Legacy Program is a12 weeks Men’s Behaviour change program particularly for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Males.
The program is delivered to both victim survivors and persons using violence, recognising that safety, change and healing must happen together.
The program is approved by Department of Justice and Attorney-General as a condition of bail. The program has been operating since 2020.
The Person Behind the Name
Uncle Alfred Smallwood is a respected Bindal elder and a key figure in Yumba-Meta Limited’s work with First Nations men.
He played a pivotal role in facilitating the Men’s Behaviour Change Program, which has now been renamed the Uncle Alfred Legacy Program to honour his outstanding leadership, dedication, and ongoing contribution to community wellbeing and empowerment.
Beyond this, Uncle Alfred also leads the Uncle Alfred Men’s Group Local Drug Action Team and is widely recognised for his tireless work supporting men in the Townsville community, including efforts related to health, cultural connection, and social support.
His work has earned him recognition such as the Townsville Senior of the Year Award. Uncle Alfred’s involvement fosters culturally appropriate support and mentoring for First Nations men, strengthening community resilience and leadership.
Want to Refer Someone or Apply?
Our team is here to listen. Contact us to discuss confidential support options or make a referral.
“We came down to see the village. As soon as I walked through the home, I knew, ‘Yes! This is for us!’”
Mrs Margaret Hertz
Ernest & Maud Hoolihan Elders Village Resident
Mrs Margaret Hertz
Ernest & Maud Hoolihan Elders Village Resident
When Mrs. Margaret Gertz (nee Hoolihan) moved from her family home to be closer to medical facilities for her late husband, she admits she found the transition challenging.
“My husband had been diagnosed with stomach cancer, and it became necessary for us to move closer to specialist care. At first, it was hard to leave our home of 50 plus years in Malanda, where we’d raised our 6 children to adulthood.”
However, on sighting the Innes Estate village, designed specifically by Yumba-Meta for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders, Margaret’s decision was made.
“We came down to see the village. As soon as I walked through the home, I knew, ‘Yes! This is for us!’”
Mrs. Gertz’s first impression of the estate is perhaps unsurprising. Surrounded by natural forest, the village is a prime example of how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander housing facilities benefit from community-based planning at a grass-roots level.
While Margaret’s husband has since sadly passed away, she herself has gone on to remain at the village as a tenant for some 6.5 years.
“We’re completely independent,but we also enjoy the company of close neighbours. We all keep an eye out for each other. My cousin Glenda is there too, so we have plenty of social interaction.”
Yumba-Meta provides a weekly bus service to the estate, ensuring all tenants are able to access the community and attend to their weekly errands.
“The bus service is a big help; it comes in on Wednesdays and Thursdays and is a routine we look forward to.”
The estate’s relaxed and peaceful setting also makes it accessible for visitors. Being a mother of six adult children, Margaret has a large number of grandchildren, so this element of the village is particularly important.
“I see my family regularly! They drop in for a cuppa, or we share a meal together. I had them all over for dinner last night on the patio actually!” Margaret finishes with a laugh, “but instead of me cooking up a storm as I used to in my younger years, now they bring the dinner. I don’t mind that change one bit!”
Margaret has a large number of grandchildren, so this element of the village is particularly important.
“My daughter’s doing really, really well since getting the extra help – through the NDIS, support workers step in and do all of the stuff that I’d usually do."
Natusha Kum-Sing
Long-Term Housing Resident
Natusha Kum-Sing
Long-Term Housing Resident
At the end of 2013, Natusha Kum-Sing made the difficult decision to pack up her three children and leave the support network of her extended family in Mount Isa to move to Townsville.
“I have an adult daughter with Cerebral Palsy who needs 24/7 support,” said Natusha of her decision to move.
“Living in Mount Isa, it was just me doing it all myself with no extra support, so there was a whole upheaval with moving and leaving all my family.”
Natusha was able to find a disability home through Yumba-Meta Limited with minimal fuss, and she and her family have been in the same property ever since.
“It’s a quiet area, I like where we are at the moment,” Natusha said.
“My daughter’s doing really, really well since getting the extra help – through the NDIS, support workers step in and do all of the stuff that I’d usually do. It gives me a break and she’s always on the go, doing lots of activities.
“The goals that she’s achieving now are great. It was worth making the move, definitely.”
